Argentine rugby player and coach who led the national team to a third-place finish in the 2007 Rugby World Cup, known for his innovative tactics and player development.
Marcelo Loffreda is an Argentine former rugby union footballer and coach, best known for leading the Argentine national team, Los Pumas, to their historic third-place finish at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. With a distinguished playing career and coaching tenure, Loffreda has left an indelible mark on the sport of rugby.
Loffreda's rugby journey began as a player, earning 44 caps for Los Pumas, with one as captain, and scoring four test tries. He played a significant portion of his career alongside the legendary Hugo Porta. His impressive playing career laid the foundation for his future success as a coach.
In 1994, Loffreda hung up his playing boots and transitioned into coaching. In 2000, he was appointed coach of Argentina, where he engineered a series of impressive victories, including wins over France, Wales, and Scotland, as well as a draw with the British and Irish Lions.
Under Loffreda's guidance, Los Pumas achieved their best-ever finish at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, beating hosts France in the opening match, pool winners Ireland, and eventually securing third place with a win over France in the third-place match.
After the World Cup, Loffreda left his position as Pumas coach to become the director of rugby at Leicester Tigers. However, his tenure was short-lived, as he was sacked in 2008 due to poor results, despite reaching two finals. He has since returned to Argentina, where he continues to coach.
Loffreda holds a degree in civil engineering from the Universidad de Buenos Aires and previously worked as a sales manager for Argentine textile and footwear company Alpargatas. He is married with five children: Sophia, Nicolas, Juana, Olivia, and Marina.
Marcelo Loffreda's remarkable journey in rugby has left a lasting legacy, inspiring generations of players and coaches. His unwavering dedication to the sport has earned him a place among the greatest in Argentine rugby history.
75 Years Old
Argentinian scrum-half who led the Pumas to their first-ever win over the All Blacks in 1971 and is considered one of the greatest fly-halves in rugby history.
52 Years Old
A former scrum-half who led Argentina to third place in the 2007 Rugby World Cup and later became a key figure in World Rugby's governance, driving reforms and innovation.
49 Years Old
An Argentine rugby legend who excelled as a player, coach, and physician, known for his exceptional skills on the pitch and his dedication to the sport. He's a highly respected figure in the rugby world.
44 Years Old
Argentine rugby player who won the Rugby World Cup with Argentina in 2022 and was named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2022.
